How has she positively impacted women and/or girls in Chicago?

I only listed a few of her many services to the Chicago community. Although I have known her for several years, and serve with her on the Board of the Chicago Council on Planned Giving, I only started knowing about her volunteer activities when she was revealed to be the Yarn Bomber who has been yarn bombing the city throughout the pandemic. She has helped incarcerated women start businesses upon release, working pro bono she has helped women first responders with creating their wills; she is a part of the Chicago Foundation for Women South Side Giving Circle, which assists black women and girls on the south and west sides of Chicago.

What lessons can girls and/or other women learn from her?

Valerie Sherman exemplifies being the change you wish to see in the world. Both through her profession and through her volunteer work, she has a positive effect on everything around her. She constantly endeavors to lift other women up and make sure their voices are heard.

About Valerie Sherman

Valerie lives in Chicago and her day job is fundraising for colleges and universities. She is a proud first generation college student, graduating from Illinois State University in 2004 and DePaul Law School in 2009. Valerie learned the value of volunteering from her mother Sara and is involved with a variety of causes in Chicago, currently focusing her efforts on economic justice for the south and west sides. She loves to use her yarn talents for good, creating installations around the city and teaching knitting in the Cook County Jail.